subject: Taking Care Of Porcelain Veneers [print this page] Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over a tooth, and the material that is used comes in different shades so that it naturally looks like tooth enamel but wont stick out from being a different shade than your other teeth. There are many different reasons that they can be used to improve a persons smile. Some of the most popular include chipped, cracked or pitted teeth, unevenly sized or shaped teeth, to fix discolorations or stains, to reshape gapped teeth, teeth that have been ground down or damaged, and other reasons.
It is a popular material to use for fixing these problems because not only does it look like tooth enamel, but it also resists staining. Not every dentist has the education or experience to properly fit patients for porcelain veneers, so you will need to look for a skilled cosmetic dentist that has extensive experience in the procedure for the best results. They can give you a consultation to let you know if this is the best solution for you or if some other procedure might yield better results.
When a porcelain veneer is fitted properly by an expert, you can expect it to last for more than ten years if you properly take good care of them. During the procedure of application, the enamel is stripped from the teeth and they are bonded to the teeth. The veneers are applied using a special glue called resin cement. The bond that is created between the veneer and the tooth is exceptionally strong, so you will not have to worry about them being pulled off. They can be chipped though, which is why it is necessary to take good care of the porcelain.
It is important to note that your porcelain veneer will not decay, but the part of the tooth that is exposed is still at risk so it is still important to maintain proper dental hygiene. Not only that, but the layer of cement that is exposed at the veneers edge can become stained. Fortunately there are some things you can to do to help extend the life of the porcelain veneers so that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
Always continue to brush and floss regularly. Avoid heavy alcohol consumption too, because over time the alcohol can dissolve that cement resin that is used to hold the veneer in place. Dont use an overly abrasive toothpaste; ask your dental professional to recommend one for you. Do not bite on hard objects such as hard candy, and avoid grinding your teeth too. Avoid foods that can stain the cement, such as coffee, red wine and tea. These are just a few of the things you can do to extend the life of your porcelain veneers.
